All of the senses are used in describing the visit. Many events are tactile as well as visual. John finds the floor of the change room "prickly, pokey and pebbly." The water tickles his ankles when he steps into the shallow pool. His warm dry clothes are a comfort to get into after a thorough drying at the hot air blowers.

      Mama accompanies John throughout the whole experience although the artwork carefully screens her so we never do get a complete view of her face. She is there to support John when a little friend, in a good-natured act, dumps a bucket of water over him.

      The watercolour illustrations are attractive and accurate. Readers will share John's experiences of the day in his expressions of excitement and pleasure. Youngsters who are familiar with a large public pool will recognize all its facilities in this book and will enjoy seeing a book that reflects their own experiences. Robin Baird Lewis is the illustrator whose other works include Big or Little? and Red is Best. Another related title by Sue Farrell is To the Post Office with Mama.

Recommended.